Events

GRABBING THE GOLD! ‑ A FINAL FUND RAISING CAMPAIGN

This is it!  The final "hurdle"!             

In March, Wendy Roy, Executive Director of the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation, informed us that anonymous donors, having heard that we have about $40,000 left to raise, gave us a challenge match of $20,000.  What an amazing gift!  That means that if we can raise just $20,000 more, we should be finished!  (We do hold our collective breaths regarding price increases since last summer, but we remain optimistic.) 

You might be asking, "if the track was paid for through the "Buy‑A‑Meter" campaign, where will this $40,000 be allocated?"  Answer:  completing the discus, shot put, long and triple jump, and high jump areas; renovating the ball diamond; seeding, including topsoil; all other finishing work.

This final campaign, "Grabbing the Gold" completes the "Imagery" invitation Project Director Ann McGarry presented when she wrote "Imagine yourself breaking the tape.  Imagine your perfect throwing form.  Imagine the perfect hurdle clearances.  (We can add ‘Imagine the perfect hop, skip and jump!’) And imagine a practice track at Bigfork."   Raising the last $20,000 will provide our athletes with a facility to match their dedication and competitive drive towards Gold, Silver, Bronze and personal bests.

To this end, three fund raisers are planned ‑ an Alumni Benefit Concert, a combination Auction/Rummage Sale, and a final appeal to alumni, friends, businesses, and organizations.  Each of these is described as follows:

 The First Fundraiser:  ALUMNI BENEFIT CONCERT

Edge Center for the Arts, Bigfork - Saturday, May 17, 2008, 7:00 p.m.

Free Will Offering -  Y’all Come!   Let’s pack the house!

        Aaron Gabriel, ’95 - emcee, vocalist and pianist

                Aaron has spent the last ten years working as a theater director, actor, writer and composer at a variety of Twin Cities venues including the Guthrie Theater, Ordway Center, Theater Latte Da, the Children’s Theater Company, States Theater Company and Interact Center for the Performing and Visual Arts.  Currently, he is directing "Anansi: The Trickster Spider" at Steppingstone Theater and in June will be assistant director for "You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown" with Stages Theater Company (which will tour to Bigfork).  He also runs a private piano studio.

       Andrea Cole, ‘04 ‑ emcee, vocalist

                Andrea attends Augsburg College (major in sociology and minor in theatre arts). She is a member of both the Women’s and Augsburg choir.  She has performed with the choirs in Hungary, the Czech Republic and Germany as well as in the States.  She has acted in three plays and one movement piece.  Andrea presently works at Lifeworks, Inc helping adults with mental disabilities enhance their job skills.

    Kim Harrington, ‘70 ‑ guitar and vocals

Kim acquired his love for music prenatally as his mom sang to him continuously! He began composing at age 20.  His CD "Night Rider’s Lament" is a "must have".   Kim will perform whenever and wherever he gets a chance.  He is a construction supervisor in the "green" wind turbine industry. 

 Anna Harrington Ostendorf ‘99 ‑ vocals

                Anna is a part‑time student at the U of M, Mpls.  Her concentration is Religious Studies.  She is a full‑time wife and mother of two.  Her life has been filled with music since childhood, although these days most of her singing is done along with the stereo or to entertain her daughters. 

       Kayla Scrivner ‘99 ‑ West African Drumming

                Kayla is the Program Director at the Inner Harbour AmeriCorps, a tutoring‑based, residential program near Atlanta, GA for at‑risk youth.  Inner Harbour’s Therapeautic Drumming Program, of which Kayla is a member, offers youth the opportunity to learn traditional rhythms and culture, allowing them to work through emotional and social issues important to their recovery.  AmeriCorps members drum with their students and as a team.

 Eric Scrivner ‘01 ‑ West African Drumming

                Prior to beginning medical school last fall at the U of MN ‑ Duluth, Eric served with AmeriCorps for two years at the same facility as Kayla.  There he also discovered West African hand drumming.  He is one of the founding members, along with Kayla and other staff, of 10 Blocks Away, a professional drumming group that performs in and around Atlanta.  The group has performed at the National VSA Arts Festival.  Eric apprenticed with a drum builder and is now able to build his own drums.  Eric is often found enthusiastically drumming rhythms on his books as he studies.

      Robin Custer ‘65 and friend Dave Waters ‑ fiddle and mandolin

                Both musicians are self‑taught,  Robin at age 12 and Dave at 14.  They have been performing together for three years, delighting audiences in jam sessions, at Bigfork Valley Villa and anywhere they can.  They especially appreciate traditional music.

      Draper Daniels 

L-R: Phil Haire, Mike Danielson, Scott Skaja, Jeff Draper.

                Calling Minneapolis home, Draper Daniels’ music is quite simply heartland rock, their music dripping of human emotion and passion.  The band has just finished recording their third release Back to Talmoon.

                Mike Danielson picked up a guitar when he was 8 and soon the northern Minnesota native dreamed of the day he would write and record his own songs.  43 years later, Mike is a man of strong social consciousness and integrity and his music reflects that conviction.

                Growing up in urban Minneapolis, Mike became friends with schoolmate Jeff Draper who also had a passion and talent for music.  Jeff’s classical style nicely compliments Mike’s songs.  The two performed with several local groups until 1995 when they formed Draper Daniels.  In 2004, with a library of more than 40 original songs, they added a rhythm section in the person of Phil Haire.

                Hailing from Plymouth, MA, Phil’s musical background started in 1967 while he was in the Navy, stationed in Guam, when he was handed a guitar left behind in the barracks.  Phil’s experience led him through several Twin Cities bands before joining Mike.  He brought along with him good friend Scott Skaja.

                Scott’s drums and percussion career began at age 13 when he began playing in his father’s group.  Scott played in several different pop and blues groups with Phil beginning in 1990. 

                Draper Daniels has developed a plan for their music that will take their sound beyond the upper Midwest.  They are currently touring in support of their recent release, Back to Talmoon.  (Now there’s a name we recognize!)

      Alycia Hoff,  Director, BHS Chorus

                The Chorus will perform a "March for Bigfork", an original piece created by Aaron Gabriel especially for this occasion.  It commemorates the people who work together to build community, the latest example of which is the construction of the Gordon Campbell Memorial Athletic Complex.

 The Second Fund Raiser: COMBINATION AUCTION AND RUMMAGE SALE  -  Village Hall, Bigfork

Saturday, June 14, 2008 ‑ Wilderness Days – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Auction 1:00 p.m.

                 Indoors if raining, outdoors if shining, this event provides merchandise of all varieties at bargain prices.  Larger, more expensive offerings will be placed at auction.

                People wishing to donate clothing or other items should contact Irl Sinclair at 218‑245‑1619 or at    PRIVATE HREF="mailto:airedale7@hotmail.com." MACROBUTTON HtmlResAnchor airedale7@hotmail.com or Judi Nixon at Bigfork School, 743‑3444 or    PRIVATE HREF="mailto:sanselmo@isd318.org." MACROBUTTON HtmlResAnchor jnixon@isd318.org.  The alumni committee can arrange for pickup of your items.  Only items in good condition please.

 The Third Fund Raiser: "Grabbing the Gold" Campaign ‑ final appeal

                 Unlike the "Buy‑A‑Meter" Campaign which asked for $50 per meter, the "Grabbing the Gold" Campaign has not set a specific amount.  All contributions of any size are most welcome and accepted with gratitude.  Remember, your contribution is matched, dollar for dollar, by our anonymous donors (see page 2 top) and is tax deductible.   Contributors will be recognized on a plaque to be created when the athletic complex is completed.  Contributions can be sent to:   Alumni Committee, Bigfork School, PO Box 228, Bigfork, MN 56628 (see gold response sheet).

Raffle

            After 7 months of ticket selling in 2007, the winners were announced at half time of the last home game before the winter holiday break.  Those winners were:

            Kindee Porter, Bigfork, Strikemaster 9" Auger; Ryan Trenberth, Hibbing, Clam 5x6 Portable Fish House; Jim Lester, Effie, Lowrance Fish Finder - Ice Package; Mitch Long, Bigfork, $100.00 in cash; Emily Dunlap, Effie, Rod and Reel Combination;  Harold Hayungs, Britt, IA, Rod and Reel Combination;  Jerry Mariano, Grand Rapids, Decorator Clock; Dennis Lake, Grand Rapids, Decorator Lamp; Eric Northard, Grand Rapids, Handcrafted Item; Jeff LeSarge, Grand Rapids, Handcrafted Item.    Thanks to CUB Foods of Grand Rapids who donated $1000 for the prizes, and to Greg Anselmo of Antler Lake Store who sold us the prizes at or below cost, and to Anton and Virginia Wass who donated that handcrafted items.   Thanks also to all those who purchased raffle tickets!

 Results from the Buy-A-Meter campaign

            Wow!  Words Can Not Express....

             Words, indeed, can not express the deep appreciation and gratitude felt by the alumni committee and by the track athletes and coaches, towards those who supported the Buy-A-Meter Campaign for the Gordon Campbell Memorial Track.  At the close of deadline day, July 15, for the dollar for dollar match by Bigfork Valley, 761 out of 800 meters had been sold.  The result - $38,050 was raised and was matched.  Truly, without each meter purchased and matched, our track would be only a dream this year.  Now it's becoming a reality.

             Thank you to NIECI who published our progress each month in Watts News.  Thank you to the Bigfork Valley Hospital Board who generated total enthusiasm by their generous match.  Thank you to the First State Bank of Bigfork which bought 100 meters right in the middle of the campaign and raised that enthusiasm a great deal as we headed towards "the finish line".

             Thanks TO EVERYONE WHO BOUGHT METERS: (listed in order of "purchase")  Scott & Renee Patrow, Gerald & Norane Stejskal, Jim & Joan Lester, Irl & Margaret Sinclair, Floyd & Bonnie Cole, Barry & Patty Feld, Julie Nikolai, Jacquelyn Olsen, Jim & Ann McGarry, Jim Cox, Ken Dvorak, Char Bailey, Marg & John Nathe, Jim & Phyllis Bjork, John & Lynn Nachbar, Dave & Judy Baldwin, Alden & Alice Olson, Paul & Rhonda Zimmer, Ron & Rose Danielson, Paul, Beth and Lily Danielson, Bell & Melissa Coleman, Jeff & Nancy Scrivner, Hastings Dirt Work, Heidi, Nicole & Leeann Korstad, Dick & Kathleen Munson.

            Jesse & Angie Storlie, Bekah & Scott Storlie, Steve Daigle, Bette Freeberg, Charlene Mayo, Red & Janice Haley, Patrick Sharp, Jordan & Jacob Beach, Tim & Karen Senger, Ellsworth L. Anderson, Paul Nisius, Earl & Shirley Romnes, Archie & Sandy Wass, Carol Engh, Dave Johnson Enterprises, Matt Zimmer, Don & Lori Niles, Jeff & Mindy Bohman, Rafe O'Brien, Wayne Pender, Marvin Mitchell, Foster-Bjorge VFW Post 1764, The Huskie Cafe, Kayla Salazar, Michael Craig, Rick Streeter DDS, Jean DeVries, Eugene & Laura Rajala, Don & Florence Powell, Effie Country Service, Dan & Julie Goble,  JAG Photography, Lynda Ross.

            Milo & Joanne Aakhus, William "Per" Knight, Harvey Hietala, Richard Booth, Greg & Nancy Thurston & Family, Eric & Kim Elhardt, Ralph Kermen Aakhus, James Welte, Dennis & Sue Carlson, In Memory of Shirley Page, Sam & Gwen Patrow, Nick Ostendorf, Mariann Wihela, Mercedies Campbell, Floyd & Doris Hennagir, Dennis & Yvonne Sharp, Ray Cole, John Greene, Ronald & Nina Collins, Morris & Jackie Lund, Si & Marlene Brannan, Randy & Kay Rohwer, Scott & Marcella Johnston, Jim & Shirley Wicklund, In memory of Floyd Johnston, Cary & Riki McManus, Marlene & Dale Herr, Theresa DeLorme, Steve DeRider.

            John Mihelich, John & Wendy Gustafson, Richard Anderson, Tracy J. Laumann, Robert Haines, Arthur Erickson, Baptist Foundation of Indiana, Anthony & Siri Prato, Liam & Eleanor Prato, Paul & Myradel Hedblom, Steve & Joyce Manske, In Memory of James Booth, Class of '79, Bigfork Township Board, Tom & Sandy Boland, Brad Grove, Charlene Bluntach, Paul Kocian, Randall & Shelly Patten, Mike & Tammy Warren, Robert & Sharon Pearson, Sue Myers, Greg Powell, Lial & Bonnie Pederson, Dion Johnson, Lloyd Weisert, Mrs. J.E. Johnson, Margie Lubbers, In Loving Memory from the Family of Tony Egerdahl, Joan & Gale Prato, In Memory of Bill & Adeline Prato, Linda &  Shawn Johnson, Michael Kaczor, David Haley Family, Jonathan & Lisa Holliday, Maria & Peter May, Jim & Diane Vojta.

            Peloquin Family, Brian & Lyn Rajala, R. Reed & Nancy Peterson, In Memory of Fred Argir, Bob & Diane Davis, John & Roxanne Romnes, Leroy & Anna Salmonson, Kelly McGarry, Diane Marthaler, Rotary Club of Grand Rapids, Honoring Rand Vernon Jensen, Class of '76, People In Business Care, Nancy Bement, Dan & Nichole Baker, Tom & Karen Thomas, Kayla & Eric Scrivner, Suanne & Kate Dullard, Mason & Peyton Argir, Brad & Connie Lovdahl, Heather, Chad, Zac & Josh Lovdahl, Corey, Lynette, Jared & Jackson Lovdahl, Curt, Amy, Alicia & Cole Youngkin, NIECI Round-Up, Tiger Textiles, Richard & Joyce Runyon.

            Jeff & Kellie Lakso, Floor to Ceiling Store, Pete & Paula Taylor, Coldwell Banker Northwoods Realty, Maki Body & Glass, Hawk Construction Inc., Gino & Sandy Anselmo, Clausiau Sales & Rental Inc., First State Bank of Bigfork, Eye Fashions Optical Shoppe Inc., In Memory of Wendell Carl Freeberg, Bette Freeberg, Betina Kacon, Belinda Matheson, Montavon Motors, Dale's Auto Body Inc., George & Meredie Rounds, Karla Pula, Hjalmer & Julia Johnson Family, Law Office of Shaw & Shaw, Frank & Noreen Anselmo, Joe & Teresa Silko, Reed Drug Inc., Tom Brandt, Betty & Gene Brandt, Undem Law Office, Gerald Anderson.

            Automotive Electric Service Inc., Luke Cleath Memorial, A.S.V. Inc., Ardean & Betty Aakhus, Bigfork Ambulance Service Association, Dennis & Camalia Johnson, Peloquin Family Partnership, Charmaine Leonhard, Wilbur & Helen Booth, Dan & Penny Holcomb, Randolph Rajala, T&T Excavating, In Memory of Orbin Holt, S. J. King, Sharon Ludtke, Jeff & Pam Johnson, Jim & Maren Hagen, Acheson Tire Inc., Paul & Diane Hanson, Nicole Rosandich, Chuck & Ozzie Schwegman, Blandin Paper Company, Enstrom Studio Inc., Matt Sorentino, In Memory of Brother Clifford J. Davis, David & Ann Davis, Mike & Darla Kocian, Ty & Jeri Lacher-Bischoff, Cohasset Concrete Products, Alumni Reunion Events Donations, Ed & Shirley Sorrentino, Bill & Denyse Trebs, Kenneth Carlson, Todd & Tara Holsman.

            David Nelson, Susan Wass, ACS Arvig Enterprises Inc., Roberta Steinhart, Bob & Judi Nixon, Powell Auto Sales & Service, Glorvigen, Theis, Lind & Company, James Laurilla, Scott & Janice Baker, Harvey & Nancy Moland, Ed & Kristen Anderson, Justin, Garrett, Ron & Kim Mann, Ron & Judy Carlson, John & Chris Chernugal, Larry, Wendy, Christopher, Caitlin & Josh Choat, Thomas & Yvonne O'Brien, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Senior Class of 2007, BHS Sports Booster Club, Tarry & Polly Edington, Right-way Driving School, Jerry Hagen & Marcie Lindgren, Bigfork School Letterpeople's Club, Murray & Carol Mills, Greg & Anita Anselmo, Bret Sinclair, Micah Myers, Bill & Pat Paulick, Pacific Adventure, Scott & Joan Olson, Jordan, Dakota & Gabe Vezina, Joe & Sue Robertson, Gary & Billy Sieckert, Grand Rapids Optimist Club, Byron & Ann Sugden, In Memory of Wendell E. Evensen. Meters were also purchased through combined smaller donations from alumni, friends, relatives, and community members which came in throughout the campaign. 

            Since the deadline, 20 additional meters have been purchased by Sean McGarry, the Eagles Auxiliary 2469, John Jacobson, Leo & Dawn Kern, Burt Abrams, William Schaeppi, Sophie Weisert, and Kyle & Eric Johnson. 

             News flash:  As of November, 2007, ALL THE METERS WERE SOLD and then some.  The donors who purchased meters since the above list was posted are: 

            Roberta Steinhart, Mike Tammy, Chad & Cory Adams, In memory of Betty Lou Gustafson, Jean Marconett, Jerry Kaczor, James & Patricia Schaffran, Gary & Barb Miles, Mark & Renae Rasmussen, Dennis & Yvonne Sharp, Carol, Sharon, Nancy & Amy Pifher, Doris Walls Phelps, Paul & Kristi Gustafson, Wes & Sharon Waller, Alfred &  Berta Kjeldson, VFW Auxiliary Post 1720, In memory of Jess Lund, Jerry & Nancy Holt, Ida Peloquin Haugen, Northern Treasures Floral & Gifts, The Lamson Family Trust, Kerry Apel, In memory of Bill Knotts, and Farrell & Judith Gunelius.